Wix Filters

[EngineWhisperer]

Has anyone else noticed a steep decline in the quality lately? It seems like since they moved their production to China they've been much less reliable.

 

[dnewton3]

Can you be specific about what this "decline in the quality" means? Fitment issues? Voids in the media? What?

 

[MParr]

You aren't giving us enough information to give you an answer. I doubt that all WIX air filters are made in China.

 

[KevinMalone]

You're not alone. This recent post found issues with Wix filters made in Mexico too

R

Thread 'Wix 49946 Build Quality Problem???'

Dec 8, 2024

Recently went to order the wix 49946 for our diesel truck and got it from amazon. Opened the box and found out it was now black and not orange like the old one…. Also the metal backing was thinner too!
Tried to make it fit in the air box but it just wouldn’t work!!! Returned it and went to napa and low and behold they had the same black quality filter!!!! Finally went to O’Reillys and they still somehow had the original orange quality filter. Anyone else notice this or am I the first??

• RateNate
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Engine Air Filters

• 

 

[wavinwayne]

I can't speak to quality of the air filter media, but I have experienced fitment issues. I tried to install a Wix air filter in my daughter's 2013 Ford Edge and it would not allow the air filter box to close; the rubber flange/gasket was too large. It was the correct P/N for her Edge. I exchanged it for a Microgard which fits perfectly.

 

[EngineWhisperer]

Can you be specific about what this "decline in the quality" means? Fitment issues? Voids in the media? What?

I have experienced several issues with the oil filters and would appreciate your insights.

1. Manufacturing Inconsistencies: I’ve received filters with visible defects, such as poorly constructed filter media, loose seals, and unevenly distributed pleats. These issues seem to point to quality control problems.
2. Anti-Drain Back Mechanism Issues: On a few occasions, I’ve had filters where the anti-drain back valve didn’t function properly, leading to oil starvation during startup.
3. Metal Shavings Inside Filters: The most alarming issue has been finding metal shavings inside brand-new filters. I might be willing to attribute this to a one-off if the other issues hadn't also concerned me. Now I worry it is a sign of problems in the manufacturing process.

 

[Johnson Johnson]

I wasn't impressed with the filtering performance of this, replaced with an Alco which seems much more efficient. (no affiliation, my next one I've bought is a Hengst)

 

[hank2]

I can't speak to quality of the air filter media, but I have experienced fitment issues. I tried to install a Wix air filter in my daughter's 2013 Ford Edge and it would not allow the air filter box to close; the rubber flange/gasket was too large. It was the correct P/N for her Edge. I exchanged it for a Microgard which fits perfectly.

I had a similar fitment issue with a Wix AF for my '14 Scion XB. About 2 years ago. Not only was the flange oversized, but the entire filter was slightly oversized in one dimension. That was never going to work. Wix had fit fine previously. I went with Denso that time and again recently. Fit was good, but I don't see anything in a Denso that looks like quality.